Judith Valente – Medium

Judith Valente

Writing It Down, Finding Forgiveness

At the beginning of this year, a friend gave me a sticker that said, “2025: I Live With Intention!” Whenever a year is half over, it sets…

2d ago

Writing It Down, Finding Forgiveness

2d ago

Why I’m Not Celebrating The Fourth

In the past, the Fourth of July has been one of my favorite holidays. I take out my eagle-tipped pole with the flag and fly the stars and…

5d ago

U.S. flag snarled around a flagpole against the background of a delapidated red brick building and a window with peeling paint.

5d ago

Of Bombs, Blessings & Building Peace

I’m just back from the 19th biennial conference of the International Thomas Merton Society, held this year at Regis University in Denver…

Jun 29

A colorful mural with Conflict written in red letters and Peace in blue letters and a white dove in the foreground.

Jun 29

Living The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit

Most churches today observe the celebration of Pentecost, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit into the world. I love how Scripture…

Jun 8

A mosaic showing tongues of fire descending on the early Christian disciples.

Jun 8

Friendship And Community In Troubled Times

There is a classic New Yorker cartoon by Bob Mankoff that shows a man talking on the phone and looking over his datebook. He says to the…

Jun 1

Several men in climbing a hill, extending hands to help others up.

Jun 1

Seeking Purity And Harmony Through Tea

The first thing you are asked to do when you arrive at Japan House on the University of Illinois’ Urbana campus is to remove your shoes and…

May 25

A cherry tree with pink blooms and a pine tree and a redbud tree beginning to bloom surrounding the Japan House on University of Illinois, which contains a traditional tearoom and is reflects traditional minimalist Japanese architecture.

May 25

A ‘Refreshing’ New Pope

For a few hours last week, our fractious world united as one, awaiting word of who would become the next leader of the Catholic Church…

May 11

The future Pope Leo XIV rides a white horse among indigenous children in Peru, where he served for 20 years, first as an Augustinian missionary, then as archbishop.

May 11

Practicing Personal Resurrection

One of my contemplative practices in late spring is to observe the sure progression of buds on the trees near my house from, small green…

May 4

Small, budding leaves on the branches of a fig tree.

May 4

On Tenderness & Pope Francis

Earlier this month, I guided a retreat at the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Retreat Center outside of Bardstown, Kentucky. I always ask…

Apr 27

Pope Francis, in foreground, releases a dove before a crowd of onlookers in St. Peter’s Square, Rome.

Apr 27

Palm Sunday & A Place For ‘Todos’

Pope Francis has written and spoken many memorable words. He likely will be remembered most for one particular line. Todos, todos, todos…

Apr 13

A diverse crowd of people walk carrying palms in a Palm Sunday procession.

Apr 13

Judith Valente

Judith Valente

Author of 6 spirituality books & 2 poetry collections. Award-winning reporter for Wall Street Journal, PBS-TV, Washington Post & 2 IL public radio stations.

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